Inside This Book: (are three books).

by Barney Saltzberg

Inside This Book is a tribute to self-publishing in its most pure and endearing form. Three siblings create three books of their own using blank paper that they bind together (in descending sizes to match birth order). One sibling’s work inspires the next, and so on, with each book’s text and art mirroring the distinct interests and abilities of its creator. Upon completion of their works, the siblings put one book inside the other, creating a new book to be read and shared by all!

Genres: Picture Books, Writing, Childrens, Books About Books, Storytime, Family, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2015

About the author

Barney Saltzberg is the author and illustrator of close to 50 books for children, including Beautiful Oops!, Arlo Needs Glasses, Good Egg, Cornelius P. Mud , Crazy Hair Day and the bestselling Touch and Feel Kisses series with over 800,000 copies in print. He has two new releases, Tea With Grandpa and Chengdu Could Not Would Not Fall Asleep coming this spring.
Additionally, he’s recorded four CDs of music for children. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two dogs.

Reviews

[Maggie KutsBorg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This saccharine title doesn't offer anything new, but children obsessed with making their own books might enjoy it. For a better version of the concept, read "Open This Little Book" by Jessica Klausmeier and Suzy Lee.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute there just wasn't much to the story. It would be perfect if you were trying to get kids to write their own book though.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seymour makes his own book and then adds his sister's poetry book and his little brothers. A great read for siblings.

[Kylie2018 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very simple book but is a great artifact for young children.

Storyline:
There is a book by 'Seymore', inside the larger outer book, which has a book by his sister Fiona inside it, which has a book by Seymore's little brother; Wilbur, inside it.

This book is just another way to introduce 'making books' to early years children.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When one youngster decides to make his own book, his two siblings follow suit, making this one book with three different ones inside it. the titles of the books, which decrease in size, are Inside This Book, Inside This Book, Too!! and My Book. The bright colors in the illustrations, placed against a white background, will appeal to children as will the book's format and design. My favorite page was the last one, showing the budding authors, Seymour, Fiona, and Wilbur busily reading their book(s). And yes, many books are better when they're shared.

[Katherine Munoz]

Summary:
Seymour’s mom made him and his siblings books with blank pages. They each made their own little book. Seymour’s was about things he saw, heard, and made up. Fiona’s was filled with poetry. Wilbur’s was of him and his family. They decided to put them all together, “because books are better when they are shared.”

Activity:
Students will write a short story about themselves and share it with the class. When all of the stories are done, we will put them all together into one book.

Citation:
Saltzberg, B. (2015). Inside This Book (are three books). New York, NY: Abrams Appleseed.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books seems like it was written for the CLEL Bell Awards. In it a little boy explains that his mother made a blank book form him, his sister, and their little brother. Each child wrote and decorated their book and then put the three books into one larger book. Every night, the family reads the book together. What a great way to help kids practice writing and to let them know that their writing is important and valuable. The format is fun and unique.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, inside this book are three books. And each book is a little smaller than the one before it. Each individual book was written by one of three siblings. Seymour has a book about things he sees and hears and imagines. Fiona has a book of poetry. And Wilbur has a picture book which he dictated to his brother Seymour to write for him. Together they have one large book which they can share with each other.
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...

[Rebecca]

Mom gives Seymour, Fiona, and Wilbur each a blank book to fill. Each of their stories looks different, but together they tell the story of a family.

The concept of having three books in one is a creative one that will definitely draw in readers. However, there was nothing particularly interesting about any of the three stories. Young readers may be inspired to fill blank books of their own, but a more engaging storybook could have an even greater effect.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun approach to developing book concepts, young author confidence, and innovative book designs. It would pair well with Jesse Klausmeier's OPEN THIS LITTLE BOOK, especially if her real-life story about creating the first version of it as a very young child is shared with the readers.
This goes a long way to early understanding that books are lovingly created and deserve careful handling, which could serve as a springboard to reading/sharing the wordless book, THE BOY & THE BOOK.

[Ashley Biles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saltzberg, B. (2015) Inside this book: (are three books). New York: Harry N. Abrams.

This book would be a great interactive way to get students excited to write their own books. This starts out with each child getting their own journal and then learning the best way they have to explain their stories. I especially liked that they made three different books inside, so you could physically see that they were different.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Three books inside one that are generational
- Interactive in how the books are layered within each other while still telling a story
- Cute message overall that book are better when they are read together

I loved this book because not only was the physical book amazing in how it was layered and really drew the reader in, but it also was cute how the stories were generational and all went together.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book about three children who like to read and their parents give them some paper to create their own books. The book has mini-books that the children wrote inside. What a great way to introduce your child to creativity! Read the book: make a book!

I would recommend this to parents looking to find a book that would lead to an activity with their child.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of kid appeal in these three books -- they will love opening one little book after another. Great that it shows kids in the act of creation, of writing and drawing their own stories (and that the smallest book, by the youngest child, is one where the child drew the pictures and big brother wrote the words.)

[Heydi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the simplicity and flow of this book. I love that it shows little ones that they can be creative, funny, poetic and inspiring all from their little imaginations. I love that this book’s composition is so atypical and a blast to read. This book should be read to every tyke over and over and over again.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great idea to share with students during writing class! Three little stories, all connected because "My mom made us books with blank pages." Each book is a little smaller and bit more simple, reflecting the siblings who made them. The oldest child even included a 'graphic novel'!
Simple, soft water color and colored pencils set on white background support the text but do not extend it.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three siblings make their own books with their own unique style and content.

A good book to use when introducing a project to students about making their own books. Saltzberg managed to make it feel like three different people made the different stories. Kids will likely be enthralled with the different sized pages hiding behind the cover too.

[Peter Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute book to share with kids as you are encouraging their writing. This takes the simple idea of giving your kids a handmade book of folded pages and having them fill it in to the next level. Check it out!

[Great Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within this book, each child of this family has their own book. These siblings work together to create a fascinating story. It truly shows the wonderful things we can create when we work together.

Reviewer 5

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far there isn't a Barney Saltzberg book that I haven't enjoyed and this one is no exception. The concept of making your own book is a great one. I have plans to include this in a program someday soon!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute picture book about three kids who love to read and created their own books. This can be a good read to inspire kids to create and make something, though the three book format can get a bit complicated.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Mom gives each of them a blank book, three creative siblings write three creative stories that come together in a cute and inspiring way. Teachers and parents: use this tale to introduce children to the challenges and delights of bookmaking.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative, and well-executed. The three books are distinct enough to get the point across, but the three art styles could be more different/appropriate to the ages of the characters.
Fun if you're trying to promote journaling.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brother, a younger sister, and the youngest brother get blank books of decreasing size and each writes his or her own story. Then the books get put into this book, to be shared because books are better when they are share. Interesting construct, unique format. Might be inspiring to young authors.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea was neat and all but this book would not be a good idea for storytime because, by the end, the pages are way too small. And that was kind of a weird stylistic choice considering that the message was that books are good to share.

[Tasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would suggest this book for ages 5-9. Inside This Book: (are three books) shows how books can be formed differently and still have meaning. This book has themes of hard work, imagination, and independence.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minimal frame story (mom gave 3 siblings blank books to fill) surrounds 3 progressively smaller books made by the siblings.
The little one can't write yet, but has remarkably good illustration skills.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute concept that is an homage to kids being authors and the joy of sharing books.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! What a unique concept! Great for young kids!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three siblings create their own books, each of which are windows into their distinctive personalities. Good book to use to encourage children to create their own works.